Tag: hotelsandresorts

This breath-taking property overlooks the Jimbaran Bay and gives every guest a true Balinese experience.

Arriving at the RIMBA Jimbaran Bali was like stepping into a dreamy tropical fairy tale. Adorned with the most beautiful flower necklace and delicious welcome drink

“We were immediately refreshed, relaxed and energized.”

Our stay was met with exceptionally friendly, warm and attentive staff, which provided a great sense of care and hospitality that Bali has become famous for. Imagine our delight at our towels being magically transformed into gorgeous animated jungle animals… a touch of humour is always good for the soul!

If the luxurious and spacious rooms were not enough… we were totally captivated by the heavenly views stretched out from our honeymoon abode. Forested oceanfront and sunset horizons set the tone for a surreal travel experience.

“A culinary gold mine”

We were spoilt for choice by collection of unique on-site restaurants… seventeen to be exact! Our favourite was the Rock Bar, superbly situated on the rocks serving up the freshest seafood and cocktails. The immaculate beach was rivalled by eleven sparkling swimming pools dotted around the resort, but we preferred the sand between our toes for this romantic time away.

The resort has a secluded white sand beach, 11 swimming pools, an 18-hole putting course and an award-winning spa, Thermes Marins Bali. It offers a truly relaxing experience for anyone who wants to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.

“A magnificent resort, a paradise within paradise.”

The RIMBA Jimbaran Bali is uniquely positioned inside the Ayana Resort and Spa

The Breath taking views across Jimbaran Bay guarantee a holiday experience of a lifetime.

According to Anton Perold, Managing Director of the World Luxury Hotel Awards, true luxury is defined by “a team of highly dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that no request goes unanswered,” he said. But since luxury can mean different things to different people, every year The World Luxury Hotel Awards takes on a new focus to select the new winner.

Armani Amal Terrace (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

For 2016, the ten-year organization shifts the focus on supreme style and unique elegance, and named Armani Hotel Dubai the winner.

Opened since 2010, the ten-story hotel with 160 rooms and suites is the first hotel by fashion designer Giorgio Armani. Bearing all the Armani signature details in the carefully curated space with Eramose stone floors, zebrawood panels, and custom-made furnishings, it’s no surprise that everything here is tastefully designed.

One of only two hotels (the other one is in Milan) launched by the legendary designer, much of Armani Hotel Dubai’s appeal is also defined by its location. Situated at Burj Khalifa—world’s tallest tower—in Downtown Dubai, the world’s most luxurious hotel boasts stunning views of the city, convenient access to the city’s best shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, plus a dedicated entrance to the tower.

Burj Khalifa (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

With all the amenities one would normally expect—Award-winning restaurants, lounge, deluxe spa and various Armani goods, what really sets this hotel apart is the “warm, Italian-style service” noted by Mark Kirby—General Manager of Armani Hotel Dubai.

Armani Ristorante (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

For instance, each guest is assigned a personal Lifestyle Manager who handles everything from arranging childcare to landing difficult bookings of the hottest restaurants and events out there. The idea of it is to provide guests with a “‘home-away-from-home experience,” said Kirby.

(Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

As a former guest of the Armani Hotel, Milton Pedraza—CEO of the Luxury Institute—believes that one of the most remarkable strengths of Armani is his ability in creating an understated style of luxury that’s completely serene. “It’s a paradoxical concept few could pull off. And when done properly (which Armani certainly has), it makes guests feel pampered and peaceful at the same time,” he noted.

All the books in this study at the Armani Dubai Suite are personally selected by the designer himself. (Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

This ability not only reflects on the fashion legend’s renowned aesthetics, but also his personality and values. According to the luxury expert, there’s something about the Armani Hotel experience that made him feel special. “The staff at his hotels are very well-selected and well-trained. They make you feel welcome in a way that seems more genuine and relatable than other hotels,” he added.

“Fact is, people don’t want to be treated like royals anymore,” Pedraza said.

What this award points to—when it comes to luxury hotel trends in 2017—are well-designed spaces that aren’t excessively staged or opulent. As the world becomes more globalized, successful hotels are definitely angling for more local experiences, where guests could get intimate knowledge of each place.

(Photo credit: Armani Hotel Dubai)

Yet, for frequent travelers, don’t be surprised to find your favorite snacks or drinks from your home countries. “As hotels want to ease your transition from one place to another both physically and emotionally,” noted Pedraza, “2017’s hotel experience will focus equally on satisfying your curiosity of a new place as it is on fighting home sickness.”

The World Luxury Hotel Awards had a wonderful opportunity in interviewing and experiencing Whalesong & Hydro, an understated gem perched on a hill in the world famous Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Majestic views overlooking the Indian Ocean, surrounding mountains and lagoon provide a luxurious nest in which guests from all over the world come to find rest, rejuvenation and explore this beautiful part of Southern Africa.

Warmly welcomed and lovingly managed by Manuela Teuscher, we were introduced to her hospitality style and received some insight on what makes her property so unique. Manuela shares with us her secret to success in keeping guest satisfaction levels high and attracting new and repeat guests, which ultimately lies in their staff selections. This cannot be emphasized enough as being the key to a thriving hospitality destination. Her focus is on recruiting staff that are passionate about this industry, as opposed to being motivated by earnings, and this certainly seems to be a winning approach.

Excellence is what we experienced – money could not have bought the level of service and heart that was infused into every minute detail of our stay. Luggage was carefully transferred to our first story cottage which had breathtaking views, we dined at the on-site @Whale Restaurant and enjoyed impeccable service and an outstanding meal. Upon return to our luxurious abode, we were surprised by a room laden with delicate rose petals and lit candles in honour and celebration of our honeymoon. Understanding guests needs and exceeding expectations is all true of the Whalesong and Hydro.

This chic African inspired thatched property combines lush landscaped gardens teeming with prolific birdlife – a major attraction for birding and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to its natural features, it offers a magnificent spa, salon, bar and pool. The hotel is also just minutes away from the town center which has top restaurants and boutique shopping outlets. Pristine beaches, golf courses, the Tsitsikamma National Park, the world’s highest bungee and a diverse range of attractions including whale watching, dolphin encounters and diving are on your doorstep.

If personalized service, spectacular scenery and gracious hospitality are important to you, make sure you put the Whalesong and Hydro on your travel itinerary.

This luxury hotel Is situated on a cliff side, overlooking the Indian ocean in a nature reserve, featuring ten exquisitely decorated rooms. The décor can be described as pure elegance. All suites have underfloor heating, flat screen TV, DVD player, in room safe, gowns, slippers and a fully stocked bar with drinks and snacks.

The restaurant and spa are a must in this grand hotel. One can enjoy cocktails on the sun deck, a tantalising dinner or a visit to the fantastic spa with its array of treatments. The hotel also features a library which includes a big screen tv and many board games for the whole family.

Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa

“We felt Honoured to have stayed in a hotel that has hosted so many distinguished guests, such as Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson.”

The Team Told us about all the local activities in Plettenberg bay as well as helped us book. For breakfast excite your palate, one can enjoy a lovely buffet of fresh fruit, cheeses and freshly baked pastries, as well as many hot breakfast dishes to choose from.

For breakfast, we had an exquisite selection of tantalising food with a selection of fresh fruit, cheeses and freshly baked pastries, as well as many hot breakfast dishes to choose from which changed on a daily basis throughout our stay.

On our stay, we were welcomed by ‘Beauty’ she presented us with a lovely glass of port after our long trip. The room we stayed in was impeccable, to say the least with a balcony overlooking the ocean. We thoroughly enjoyed the daybeds which faced the fireplace and looked out into the night sky. We lay there with a glass of wine, mesmerised by the stars.

“A perfect romantic getaway”

Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa

The bathroom featured his and hers basins, a large bathtub, bath oils, bubble bath and bath salts and the shower overlooked the ocean. We felt like royalty throughout our entire stay. What stood out the most was the gracious staff, that presented exceptional work ethic and service delivery. World Luxury Hotel Awards highly recommends Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa for a romantic South African getaway.

In October 2016, the World Luxury Hotel Awards team was kindly accommodated by the St. Regis Doha for its 10th anniversary grand gala celebration, also hosted by the property.

One cannot find fault in a hotel of this stature, from the moment you arrive at the airport, the transfers to the hotel are professional and luxurious and the welcome at check in is kind, fluid and efficient. Everything is taken care of for you with a personal butler service who graciously details the workings of your room amenities and equipment. The hotel is spotlessly clean and the rooms are large and spacious, as well as the bathrooms which are incredibly comfortable and luxurious. You cannot go anywhere in the hotel without someone asking you if you need assistance, a drink or direction. You always feel welcome.

Hosting an event of close to 400 guests seemed effortless to the staff who were professional and always portrayed an on-the-ball attitude. No request was too much to ask and each guest was dealt with as an individual.

The hotel boasts 11 dining outlets with more than enough selection to satisfy any dietary needs and wants. For nightlife and entertainment there are two in-house clubs, a jazz club aptly named “The Club”, where a live jazz band sings your feet into boogie vibes, and the prestigious The Rooftop club, where international DJs spinning house, deep house and techno music leave you dancing until the early hours under the warm night sky.

It is an all-round hotel for families, friends, business and couples and no matter what your reason for a stay may be, rest assured your every need will be met.

29 October 2016, The St. Regis Doha, Qatar – The World Luxury Hotel Awards this year celebrated its 10th anniversary in awarding the world’s finest hotels for their luxury offerings and exceptional service delivery. Hosted on this auspicious occasion by the exquisite St. Regis Doha in Qatar, the evening saw over 350 guests from the world’s leading hotels and resorts gather to be recognised on stage for their outstanding efforts.

Jet-lag was of no consequence with the regal Remède Spa onsite, providing guests with the ultimate experience in relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa, which boasts 22 treatment rooms, an Olympic-size swimming pool with views of the Arabian Gulf, a private beach and nine exclusive cabanas with Jacuzzis and water sports activities, was awarded Best Luxury Urban Escape in Qatar earlier this year by the World Luxury Spa Awards. It was the perfect oasis for weary travellers.

The evening itself was one of true celebration. Participants from over 50 countries arrived to a grand red carpet welcome and were dazzled with champagne from Varichon & Clerc. Dining was to the perfection of Executive Chef Jean-Luc Morcellet; a chicly decadent 6-course meal was prepared to order and each course was elegantly plated and paired with a fine wine. Guests savoured their meals while being entertained with live, toe-tapping jazz music, performed throughout the evening with Gregory Generet as vocals, Richard D Johnson on piano, Nori Naraoka on bass, Darrian Douglass on drums and Philip Dizack on the trumpet.

A glittering aerial performance by Valeria Baigacheva, who specialises in an extensive range of circus art forms, entertained guests as an aerial chandelier ring was utilised in her unique act. It was a beautiful and elegant display.

Awards were presented to luxury hotels and resorts in over 60 categories on a country, regional, continent and global basis. Special congratulations on the evening went to the immaculate Armani Hotel Dubai, who was honoured as the prestigious 2016 Global Hotel of the Year. The hotel is situated within the iconic Burj Khalifa and reflects the pure elegance, simplicity and sophisticated comfort that defines Giorgio Armani’s signature style. The hotel is the realisation of the designer’s long-held dream to bring his impeccable style to life with the exceptional Stay with Armani experience which is defined by the highest standards of service excellence, true to the World Luxury Hotel Awards overall winner criteria. Mark Kirby, General Manager for the Armani Hotel Dubai proudly collected the award on stage.

Further exclusive awards on the night were bestowed on Selman Marrakech in Morocco who received the Luxury Elegance Award; Mihir Garh in India received the Extraordinary Luxury Destination Award; SnowHotel in Kemi, Finland received the Bespoke Luxury Experience Award; and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in The Maldives received the Grand Excellence Award. The highly coveted Chairman’s Choice Award was presented to St. Regis Hotels and Resorts worldwide for their inspiring service excellence, defining luxury and overall hospitality on a global level.

In celebration of the decade anniversary, the World Luxury Hotel Awards designed a limited edition trophy for its winners, plated in 24 karat gold and beautifully and meticulously crafted to symbolise elegance, grandeur, majesty and luxury. Winners held their trophy with pride as they were given an opportunity for one-on-one personalised video interviews to speak about their achievement with media.

“We wish to congratulate all our winners for the 2016 award year, who through their tireless efforts and unbounded passion to satisfy their guests needs, have received this honour tonight. True luxury is no small feat, it takes a team of highly dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that no request goes unanswered. This is the definition of luxury, this is what defines a World Luxury Hotel Awards winner.” says Anton Perold, Managing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The evening was MC’d by the captivating businessman Khalifa Al Haroon, Arabian Business Magazine’s’ “Young Achiever of the Year 2014” and CEO and founder of Haroon United Group (HUG) which counts among its stable of companies, ILoveQatar.net, a website portal that aims to bridge the gap between Qatar and its large expatriate population. Closing off the ceremony he invited guests to enjoy the rest of the evening at The Rooftop, the modern and classy open-air club/lounge at the St. Regis Doha. Cocktails and fine champagne were enjoyed, coupled with upbeat music from DJ Sherif Terio, well into the night. It was an evening of magic, surprise and energy, and one not to soon be forgotten!

“We look forward to welcoming our participants at the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz on 2 December 2017 for yet another fantastic night of celebration as we crown our 2017 winners in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.” says Perold.